GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY MCDONOUGH SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Course Title:
Course Number:
International Business
STRT-261-01
Instructor:
Office:
Office Hours:
Prof. Michael R. Czinkota
402 Hariri
M, W 2 - 3 pm
And by appointment
Communication:
TEL 687-4204, FAX 687-4031
Email : czinkotm@georgetown.edu
2016 Spring Semester
M, W 12:30 – 1:45 pm
Hariri 130
First Class Meeting: January 13, 2016
Last Class Meeting: May 2, 2016
Final Exam Schedule: May 11, 2016 9-11:00 am
Teaching Assistant:
Ayesha Malik (am3320@georgetown.edu)
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Objectives
1.
To gain an understanding and appreciation of the internationalization of the world
marketplace and its diversity.
2.
To develop a working knowledge of the special policy issues surrounding
international business.
3.
To present ways in which international firms cope with economic conditions;
marketing practices; local, national and international politics; and management
problems arising from cultural and ethical variants.
4.
To analyze the potential future direction of international business both globally and
in terms of particular market areas.
5.
To enable students to analyze international changes and their effects, allowing them
to present an analysis to colleagues which permits an appropriate agreed upon
response.
6.
To expose students to opportunities in international business.
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Required Reading and Tracking
Czinkota, Michael R., Ilkka A. Ronkainen, and Michael H. Moffett, Fundamentals of
International Business, 3rd Ed., 2015: New York. Wessex
Purpose
There is unprecedented change in international business. Very close linkages emerge between
domestic and international activities, and between all economies around the globe. We know
that when domestic economic activities are down, international business is down as well—only
much more so. As local economies grow, so does international business.
Austerity brings changes in production and consumption. The role of governments is growing by
leaps and bounds, dictating the direction and strength of international business activities. There
is rising potential to restrict imports and encourage exports, in order to keep home industries safe
and gradually reduce global imbalances.
This course provides a comprehensive and uptodate overview of international business and the
institutions involved in the process. Although there is an underlying universality to the basic
principles of business administration, it is in the application of these principles that people in
international business encounter unique problems. Theory will be emphasized for a normative
understanding; practical aspects are focused on to show the relation of theory to "real life."
We will teach each other and learn from each other by the use of analogies, parables, and
examples—which will help us understand and remember.
Main emphasis will be on the identification and analysis of environmental differences. When
one understands the environment in which one has to operate, one functions more effectively.
This course will not guarantee success if you engage in business in Abu Dhabi or Singapore,
but it will present a basis for understanding the key aspects of international operation.
Given our location, our public positioning strength and the increased influence of government
on business, major emphasis will be placed on the policy related aspects of international
business. Problematics will be analyzed from the point of view of both small and mediumsized
firms as well as multinational corporations. Incorporated will also be the views of consumer
and industrial companies as well as servicerelated firms.
Course Procedure
This course mainly follows a discussion format, with strong emphasis on student participation.
We will learn and teach by using analogies, similes and examples. Students need to review
the assigned book and blog material and think about the international business implications
BEFORE coming to each class.
a) In class we will then evaluate, discuss and debate key components of the issues
pertinent to each day. There will be cold calling to allow all participants to enhance our
thinking.
b) There will be a series of class participation forms:
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1. International business editorial and presentation:
Each class session will start with brief student presentations of an original current
international business event which took place within the last 10 days. The subject
has to be relevant to the scheduled topic of the class meeting in which you
present. Editorials are due in our session on the day of the presentation. Each
student will prepare one presentation and write an editorial piece (750 words)
during the semester. Make sure to craft an interesting title, include a summary of
the international business issue addressed, to explain its meaning to the
international business community and its relevance to the class. Each
presentation will last for three minutes. The presentation needs to end with
one key issue/question to the class which will then be managed by the
presenter for a brief in class discussion. Each presenter will hand in a typed,
one-page double-spaced editorial to the instructor and submit an online copy.
A copy or print-out of the source article must be attached. Exceptional
editorial pieces will be posted on our blog or offered to the international
press for dissemination.
Materials should typically be drawn from the internet, the business section of the
daily newspaper, or current issues of journals such as Business Week, Fortune,
The Economist, etc. Feel free to use our website for your projects. A sign up
sheet for presentations will be circulated during the first two sessions of the
course. Once selected, a presentation date will count as a firm commitment. It is
your responsibility to ensure that your chosen topic has not been presented
previously and to coordinate topics with any student who presents on the same
day so that there is no overlap in topics.
The following shall be the basis of the grading:
 Does it have solid foundation of the argument: (30%)
 Is it focused on international business: (25%)
 Are the opinions original and persuasive: (20%)
 Does it have little jargon and correct grammar and spelling: (15%)
 Has it kept the word limit: (10%)
2. Class attendance and participation:
An individual’s contribution to a class will be measured in two ways. One is the
physical presence of the student. Without such presence the class will not benefit
from the student’s knowledge and preparation and is therefore deprived in its
learning experience. We are not (yet) a MOOC. Therefore we will keep track of
such presence.
Of greater importance is the actual participation of the student in our discussions.
The value of the participation is a very important dimension supporting the
learning process. Therefore, the quality of the participation will also be rated.
Such participation can come in the form of debate contributions when we analyze
specific issues focusing on, say, ethics or debate items. Other options are
discussions of the blog, including even an analysis of one of the blog cartoons.
c) Several cases are assigned during this class. They will serve to highlight the
implementation of concepts discussed earlier. Students are expected to individually
analyze each case by reading it in advance, probing the addressed issues in-depth,
and being ready to discuss them in class.
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In class, students may be called to the front of the class in order to present portions
of the case issues alternatives. At the start of the case class, each student will also
hand in a two page double spaced paper which presents:
1. A case summary (20%)
2. The core issues evaluated and the rationale for such evaluation (20%)
3. An analysis of the core issues (30%)
4. Recommendations (30%)
Each case contribution will be evaluated in two ways: the student’s contribution to
the class discussion and the quality of the 2 page paper.
d) Students will also carry out an international business research project. The project
will be conducted in a group format. The work will include the following
components:
1. The project will focus on the actual new market entry activities of a firm (i.e. an
entry within the last four years). New market entry refers either to a firm entering a
new country, or a firm offering a new product or service in a non-domestic market in
which it already is active. Market entry can consist of a variety of activities such as
exporting, licensing, franchising, or foreign direct investment. In order to keep the
research and subsequent presentations interesting, you must select among the
following corporate (product) and geographic choices:
Type of Firm:
Geographic:
Industrial Goods
Consumer Goods
Services
Japan, China
“Western” Europe
Central Europe
Mexico, Latin America
Middle East
U.S., Australia
Russia, Africa
India, Other Asia
Each corporate/geographic combination can only be chosen once. Therefore, the sooner
you select, the more likely it is that you will get the topic of your first choice. However,
you should first investigate the information available for the firm and product you would
like to work on before you enter your official choice since changing your mind
afterwards will lead to a one grade step penalty. On February 10th you are expected to
have selected your other group members (3 students in one group).
2. On February 10th your group is expected to hand in a printed sheet with the
following information:
i. The title of your project
ii. The name of your firm
iii. The type of activity you propose to research
iv. The year when the activity started
v. The form of international entry
vi. The country of origin
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vii. The country of destination
viii. The names and signature of all group members
After instructor review, adjustments will be made in order to avoid overlaps in
the papers. Topics are only accepted after confirmation by the instructor.
3. As part of your research and presentation, your group is expected to address the
following issues:
i. An overview of the product/firm, covering the past
ii. The activity of your firm, covering the present
iii. The type of international entry (e.g. export, license, invest)
iv. The rationale for the market entry choice
v. An explanation of the preparatory steps undertaken by the firm
vi. A discussion of the problems, opportunities and competition encountered
vii. An evaluation of the market entry effort (typically at least 2-3 years since
entry need to have elapsed for an evaluation of performance)
For this project you should ensure that your analysis and writing reflects both the concepts
covered in class and demonstrates how these concepts are linked to the practices of the
company you have chosen.
Much of the information necessary for this project can be gleaned from secondary sources.
However, it may be helpful if you also contact the firm in question directly for an interview.
4. Each group will write up its project in a paper due in 402 Hariri on April 13th
before noon. Each day of delay will result in one grade step reduction. The paper
is to be no longer than 20 pages, typed, printed double-spaced, and should be
professional in terms of presentation. For grammar or citation styles, please check
with style guides such as Turabian. Please use endnotes for referencing. Make sure
you use headings and subheads and that your pages are numbered. Appendices
which contain all supporting tables, charts, figures, maps and references are not
part of the 20 page limit.
5. From April 13th on, the projects will be presented in class. Each group will make a
15 minute presentation summarizing its work (specific presentation times to be
announced in class). Each group will also manage a question & answer segment.
Presentations will be evaluated based on lucidity, professionalism and discussion.
There will be a midterm and a final examination. The examinations will consist of discussion
essay questions and multiple choice questions. The questions will focus primarily on the
understanding of material and placing it in contemporaneous context. The exams will be in
class, and will be written on the computer.
Grade Determination
The final grade will be determined as follows:
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Individual Presentation
Cases
Class participation
Midterm Examination
Final Examination
Group Research Project:
Presentation
Paper
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
10%
15%
100%
It is important to use your name plate at each session.
Attendance Policy
Policies governing teacher/student responsibilities are established by the University and by the
Executive Council of the Georgetown School of Business. Please consult the University
Bulletin, the University Faculty Handbook, and the MSB Faculty Administrative Manual, and
MSB Executive Council policy decisions. One policy is of special importance:
“Students are responsible for adhering to all course procedures and policies, including class
attendance, set down by an instructor for the successful completion of the course; absence from
class for whatever reason carries with it the obligation of making up missed work.
Faculty members have a right to request their students to notify them well in advance of their
intention of being absent from class on a major religious holiday.
Faculty members should make every effort not to schedule a test, quiz, or oral presentation on
a major religious holiday so as to encourage rather than discourage students from attending
religious services of their choice. However, should such scheduling be absolutely necessary,
every effort should be made by the faculty member to permit students to make up missed tests
or oral presentations.
In no case may a faculty member assign extra work beyond normal course requirements due to
such absences. Students who fail to notify their faculty members have no right to expect that
they will be permitted to make up a scheduled examination, test, quiz, or oral presentation.”
Intellectual Property Policy
Recordings of presentations, lectures and discussions are not permitted without specific written
permission of the participants.
Instructional continuity
Instructional continuity is a policy that allows faculty and students to maintain learning activities
and academic work during disruptions such as inclement weather or university closures. Students
must be prepared to participate in the alternate instructional activities planned by their faculty
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members instead of attending face-to-face class when circumstances prevent on-campus
instruction. See the undergraduate and graduate bulletins for the relevant attendance and
instructional continuity policies.
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
COURSE OUTLINE
This outline is tentative and subject to changes announced in class.
Assignments refer to the course book and the Blog
DATE
TOPIC
1/13
Welcome and Introduction to the Course
1/18
Holiday: Martin Luther King Day
1/20
Globalization
Ch. 1
International Trade is Crucial to Revival of Global Economy
http://michaelczinkota.com/2009/09/international-trade-is-crucial-to-revival-ofglobal-economy/
1/25
International Trade I
Policies, Politics, and Laws
Ch. 4
Episode 13: Walter Bastian on Trade in the Western Hemisphere
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoINv98DemQ&list=UUut9zF9ollg9LVdYpKFqyw&index=17
1/27
International Trade II:
Case: Tire Tariffs
Blackboard
Episode 17: Autler on Imports
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAyO7p_4rrc&list=UUut9zF9ollg9LVdYpKFqyw&index=13
2/1
2/3
2/8
ASSIGNMENT
International Trade III
Theory and Practice
Ch. 6
Mrs. Smith, Deputy Assistant Secretary of The International Trade Administration
International Trade IV
Setting of Trade Policy
Mr. Donald Manzullo , US Member of Congress
Ch. 7, 8
Culture
Ch. 2
Why is Culture Important in International Business?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D1U0HiS6Mk&list=UUut9zF9ollg9LVdYpKFqyw&index=7
International Business | 7
2/10
Financial Markets, Exchange Rates, Monetary Systems
Ch. 7
Group and topic registration due
Episode 10, Part 2 of 2 - Interview with Ambassador Frank Lavin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtvxzNo2h8Q&list=UUut9zF9ollg9LVdYpKFqyw&index=20
2/15
Holiday: President’s Day
2/17
Economic Integration and Emerging Markets
Ch. 5
Episode 11: Aaron Brickman on Foreign Direct Investment
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dq3zuNk0C7c&list=UUut9zF9ollg9LVdYpKFqyw&index=19
A World Bank Perspective: Mr. Diamond
2/22
Case: Catfish Dispute
2/24
The Business Knowledge Base
Blackboard
Episode 19: Oded Shenkar on Innovation and Imitation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0InOIfH02Wk&list=UUut9zF9ollg9LVdYpK
Fqyw&index=11
2/29
Exporting and Expansion
Ch. 10
International Market Entry and Expansion
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjXz9x7S2PQ&list=UUut9zF9ollg9LVdYpKFqyw&index=3
3/2
MIDTERM EXAMINATION
3/4 - 3/13
SPRING BREAK
3/14
Project Tools and Techniques
Ms. Boettcher, Business Librarian.
3/16
Marketing
Ch. 11
Episode 3: Marketing and Strategy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FL87HDBIe_w&list=UUut9zF9ollg9LVdYpKFqyw&index=28
Marketing Management Column #2 Part 1
http://michaelczinkota.com/2009/11/marketing-management-2-part-1/
Marketing Management Column #2 Part 2
http://michaelczinkota.com/2009/12/marketing-management-column-2-part-2/
Marketing Management Column #1 Part 2
http://michaelczinkota.com/2009/11/marketing-management-column-1-part-2/
3/21
Services
Blackboard
Episode 8: Services Trade
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTHAjDSc8xE&list=UUut9zF9ollg9LVdYpKFqyw&index=23
Episode 9: Medical Tourism
Blackboard
International Business | 8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8OHyewjGYw&list=UUut9zF9ollg9LVdYp
-KFqyw&index=22
3/23
Financial Support for Trade
Ch. 9
Government May Put the Financial Industry at Risk
http://michaelczinkota.com/2010/02/government-may-put-the-financial-industryat-risk-2/
Mr. Szamosfalvi, Investment Firm
3/28
Holiday: Easter Monday
3/30
The Global Supply Chain
Ch. 12
Episode 5: Volcanic Eruption
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xb_OAbDknM&list=UUut9zF9ollg9LVdYpKFqyw&index=26
4/4
Managing Globally
Ch. 13
4/6
Case: When Diamonds Weep
Blackboard
4/11
An Ambassador’s View on International Trade
Ambassador Claudia Fritsche, Ambassador Plenipotentiary of Lichtenstein and
Protocol Ranked Number 2 among ambassadors to the US
4/13
Presentations Begin
ALL RESEARCH PAPERS
DUE AT START OF CLASS
4/18
Presentations
4/20
Presentations
4/25
Presentations
4/27
The Honorable Merchant
Blackboard
Episode 7: Corruption and Bribery in Business
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fz7RC-cD4Ow&list=UUut9zF9ollg9LVdYpKFqyw&index=24
05/2
Concluding Thoughts: The Future
Ch. 15
Episode 22: Getting and Keeping the International Job
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvGRbiVgRDU&list=UUut9zF9ollg9LVdYp
-KFqyw&index=8
FINAL EXAMINATION: May 11, 9-11am
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Just in case: continuity session
1. Trade Environment
Ch. 3
2. International Business and Terrorism
Blackboard
Afghanistan and the War Against Terror: Business Can Make a Difference
http://michaelczinkota.com/2011/09/afghanistan-and-the-war-against-terrorbusiness-can-make-a-difference/
Minimizing Terrorism’s Impact
http://michaelczinkota.com/2010/02/minimizing-terrorisms-impact-2/
International Business | 10